A Visual Guide to Northern Giant Hornets and Similar Insects
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Collapse ▲The following are some insects that might be confused for the Northern giant hornet (also referred to in the media as the “murder hornet”), which is not in North Carolina at this time. As of this writing, they have only been confirmed in the Pacific Northwest.
Extension still receives numerous calls and emails about the topic, so we’ve compiled more details about the Northern giant hornet.
You can also try our Interactive Guide
Be careful when assuming that the large wasp you found in North Carolina is a “murder hornet.”
In August 2023, another invasive hornet was found in the state of Georgia. There is no evidence that the yellow-legged hornet (Vespa velutina) is in North Carolina, but it has been added to this page for reference.
Yellow-Legged Hornet, Vespa velutina
Please note: The following insects are native or long established in North Carolina and many surrounding states. Proper identification is crucial, as many of these species are beneficial to our environment and it’s often not necessary to kill these insects.
Northern Giant Hornet, Vespa mandarinia
Eastern Cicada Killer, Sphecius speciosus
Northern Giant Hornet, Vespa mandarinia
European Hornet, Vespa crabro
Northern Giant Hornet, Vespa mandarinia
Southern Yellowjacket, Vespula squamosa
Northern Giant Hornet, Vespa mandarinia
Great Golden Digger Wasp, Sphex ichneumoneus
Northern Giant Hornet, Vespa mandarinia
Carpenter Bee, Xylocopa virginica
Northern Giant Hornet, Vespa mandarinia
Paper Wasp, Polistes sp.
Northern Giant Hornet, Vespa mandarinia
Bald Faced Hornet, Dolichovespula maculata
Northern Giant Hornet, Vespa mandarinia
Hover Fly, Milesia virginiensis
Northern Giant Hornet, Vespa mandarinia
Pigeon Horntail, Tremex columba
Northern Giant Hornet, Vespa mandarinia
Bee Robber Fly, Mallophora sp.
Northern Giant Hornet, Vespa mandarinia
Giant Robber Fly, Promachus rufipes
Northern Giant Hornet, Vespa mandarinia
Honey Bee, Apis mellifera
Northern Giant Hornet, Vespa mandarinia
Elm Sawfly (female), Cimbex americana
Northern Giant Hornet, Vespa mandarinia
Elm Sawfly (male), Cimbex americana